John Nichols (Madison Cap Times): Rebel flag flap shows media failure

[Dudley_DUright]

If you want to understand just about everything that is wrong with the way American politics is practiced these days - and especially with the malpractice of the media - consider the absurd controversy about Howard Dean's comment that "I want to be the candidate for guys with Confederate flags in their pickup trucks."

For years, Democrats have been talking about how to reclaim "the Bubba vote." That's a reference to white working-class men who, among other things, attach Confederate flag stickers to the back windows of their pickup trucks. The flags are usually situated next to the image of a little Calvin urinating on another brand of truck.

Perhaps Dean would have been better off if he'd said, "I want to be the candidate for Chevy drivers who are amused by the idea of taking a leak on Fords." But that would have started a whole different conversation. So he used a conventional shorthand in the political world.

To hear his opponents and much of the media tell it, however, he might as well have said he wanted to be Strom Thurmond's running mate on the Dixiecrat ticket. Richard Gephardt claimed Dean was reaching out to voters "who disagree with us on bedrock Democratic values like civil rights." Joe Lieberman labeled it "irresponsible and reckless." John Kerry said Dean was attempting to "pander to lovers of the Confederate flag." Wesley Clark said all candidates should "condemn the divisiveness the Confederate flag represents." And John Edwards, who made a big deal about going after the Bubba vote early in his campaign, grumbled that "to assume that Southerners who drive trucks would embrace this symbol is offensive."

more...

http://www.madison.com/captimes/opinion/column/nichols/60451.php

[RuB]

1. Are the DLC Democrats doing everything possible to destroy Dean

So the Democrats will lose in 04 opening the door for Hillary in 08? I can believe it the way these silly candidates are dumping on Dean. Strangely the Republicans are silent. But hell, why do they need to get involved, when the jellyfish Democrats do their work for them? If Dean is the Democratic nominee you can bet the Republicans will use the Democrats word against them.
<sarcasm on>Wow, we really have a chance in 04! <sarcasm off>

[Upfront]

2. Dean Gets It

The rest don't care if he is right or wrong, but they know they are getting their butt kicked. Answer, screw beating Bush* less get Dean. Good luck losers.

[Martin Eden]

3. Dean showed poor judgement

Of course he doesn't endorse the racism the Confederate flag represents, but he should have known that evoking that symbol would cause him nothing but bad press, and provide ammo to his opponents.

We need a Dem nominee who, besides being correct on the issues, demonstrates political intelligence. I'm not saying Dean can't be that guy -- let's just hope this flag flap is not indicative of ill-considered quotes to come.